Chapter 12

Throughout the rest of the day and the next day as well, Cameron had made steady improvement. By nightfall of the second day, her vitals had returned to near-normal levels, and was even sitting up in bed with her husband's arms carefully around her.

"So, what happens now?" she asked after Chase had told her what had transpired over the past three days.

"Don't know at this point. We're still waiting for a formal apology, but it'll take time. Good news is that he's in jail awaiting trial, so we don't have to worry about it for a while," Chase said. "How are you feeling now?"

"Much better. I think just being in your arms has made me recover a lot quicker. But it's still going to take a while before I'm completly up to par," she said yawning before becoming totally relaxed against Chase's side, resting her head on his shoulder.

"I think so too. And I think you sleeping off and on the last couple of days has put you in direct line for a good night's sleep," he told her but received no reply. Cameron was already asleep before he could even blink. Reaching up behind him, Chase turned off the overhead light, then pulled the blanket up more around himself and his wife. Reaching underneath it, he found her hand and kissed it before resting his head on top of hers, falling asleep just as quickly as the one-true-love he held in his arms.

The next morning had good news all around. First, after a quick CT scan of her lungs, the chest tube had been removed as Cameron could breathe on her own again and the blockage of pus was no more. Second, after Wilson had checked the suturing of the incision, he surprised both Chase & Cameron.

"Well, your incision's healed rather nicely and I see no signs of further infection or illness at all. You're also breathing well on your own now obviously, which is a good sign. I'd say that your recovery time's going to be really quick." Both husband and wife let out happy sighs of relief, and Chase leaned down to give his wife an actual kiss for a change.

"How soon can I take her home?"

"After we do a couple more tests, and we can get Allison up and walkign around, I'd say sometime today or tonight at the latest."

"Really, that soon?" Cameron asked in surprise.

"Sure, you've had no recovery problems at all, and I know you're itching to get out of here. After you're up on your feet again, I'll go get the discharge papers ready."

"I don't want to wait anymore!"

"Alright then, up and at 'em." Wilson unhooked Cameron from the IVs, then moved to the other side of the bed to help her up. Once he and Chase had her sitting on the side of the bed, they both helped to pull her up. "Easy, nice and slowly. There, how do you feel?"

"Much better. A little dizzy but I had expected that. Now what? A lap around the floor?" Cameron asked. She had put some of her weight on Chase, who was on her right side now, an arm around her waist and the other holding her cathethed hand.

"Sure, but take it slowly. Just take your time," Wilson said as both he and Chase helped Cameron to put her robe on. Chase had gone home to get a few of Cameron's things earlier that morning after she woke up, and one of the items she asked for was her robe and slippers. After escorting them to the door, Wilson left to get the papers, and Cuddy's approval for Cameron's release.

"Hey, look who's up moving around!" called out House once he exited the elevator and saw Cameron walk by slowly and leaning on Chase a little bit. "You're looking a lot better today, Speedy Gonzales."

"Thank-you. Wilson said that if I keep it up, I might go home later today."

"Nice. Hey, wanna have a three-legged race back to your room?"

"Nice try House. She's not going to be doing much of anything until she's better. And besides, you would probably trip her with your cane," called out Cuddy who had just joined the trio. Before she could speak to Chase and Cameron, House interrupted:

"Would I really do something like that?"

"Yes!" exclaimed Cameron, Chase, and Cuddy together.

"Anyway, I have approved your early release, with the understanding that you take a full week off to recover at home, starting today. Same thing for you Chase; you've both been to hell and back together over the last few days and deserve a little time to yourselves before returning to work. Wilson has the paperwork, and is also getting supplies together for home treatment, so it'll be a little while. Any further question will have to be asked to Wilson directly."

"Okay, thank-you. We'll just get back to the room, get changed, and then we're out of here," said Cameron smiling. Cuddy smiled back, then walked away, with House right behind her.

"I so can't wait to get you home," moaned Chase as they continued their walk.

"I know the feeling. I just want to sleep in my own bed again," agreed Cameron when they reached her room. Once they were both inside, Chase gently wrapped his arms around her and kissed his wife softly, but deeply.

"The best part is that it's just going to be the two of us for a whole week. No work, no cases, nothing. Just me and my blushing bride."

"You got that right. Let's go home!"

A/N: Okay, I am Soooooooooooooooooooo sorry for that Loooooooooong wait. I went through finals w/ flying colors, moved back home, and will now be taking a 3-wk holiday right through the 4th of July. Unfortuately, the next update won't be for another month or so. I haven't decided how long I want this story to be, but rest assured it won't be very many chapters now. Anywho, enjoy & as always, R/R! Have a good 4th folks!